Report Unauthorised Occupation of Land

Report the unauthorised occupation of land

Whilst the Gloucestershire County Council's sites are currently full. The council does have a duty to look after the welfare of those temporarily residing on unauthorised encampments. We do this by working with the district councils, the Police, and other specialist agencies.

We adhere to a countywide policy when working with Gypsy and Traveller groups. (This policy is under review and being updated and will be published when available)

Unauthorised Encampments

Gloucestershire County Council follow a strict protocol to manage unauthorised encampments, which has been written in accordance with legal statute, Government guidance and the Countywide Gypsy and Traveller policy for Gloucestershire which is currently under review and being updated. 

When an unauthorised encampment appears, we will visit the site and speak those present. We will also confirm the ownership of the land and aim to contact the landowner if it is privately owned. Only the legal owner can take action to remove an unauthorised encampment on their land, so Gloucestershire County Council can only act in cases which occur on land owned by us. Private landlords have different powers available them and may choose whether to enact them.

On our land, we will deal with any issues regarding unauthorised encampments in the most appropriate manner, ensuring that the welfare of the settled and travelling communities are considered equally in any decisions made. Where an encampment is on private land, we may still be involved in an advisory capacity, but we have no jurisdiction to enforce action from the landowner.

The County policy is currently under review, and a link to it will be published here once the document is complete. Our Unauthorised Encampment Policy is currently being updated in line with the County review, and will also be published here once complete.

The responsibility to manage unauthorised encampments sits with the relevant land management team at the county council and Traveller Services Team will provide signposting and welfare support